MS Businessman Barry Sanford ID’d As Pilot In Sunday Columbus Fatal Plane Crash

LOWNDES COUNTY, MISS. (THECOUNT) — Barry Sanford, a Columbus, Mississippi, businessman, was identified as the pilot killed in a plane crash Sunday afternoon in Lowndes County, according to officials. He was 65.

The crash occurred near the Alabama-Mississippi state line along Highway 82 at Cole Road in eastern Lowndes County, Mississippi.

Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins confirmed that a privately owned aircraft went down in the area, resulting in the death of the pilot.

Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant later identified the victim as Emmett Barry Sanford, who was known in the Columbus business community through his association with TrimJoist.

Authorities said the aircraft involved was privately owned and was not a commercial or military plane.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the crash scene Sunday afternoon following reports of a downed aircraft.

Sanford was pronounced dead as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

Officials have not yet released information regarding the aircraft type, flight origin, destination, or circumstances that may have contributed to the crash.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation into the incident.

Authorities also confirmed that Homeland Security personnel are assisting as the investigation continues.

Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage, weather conditions, flight records and other evidence to determine the cause of the crash.

Lowndes County is located in northeastern Mississippi along the Alabama border. Columbus, the county seat, is approximately 150 miles northeast of Jackson and serves as one of the region’s principal economic centers.

Google Maps: Cole Road and Highway 82, Lowndes County, MS

DEVELOPING::